Des Moines Sun

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has presented Four Oaks Foster & Adoptive Family Connections with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s “Angels in Adoption” award. The recognition was given to honor the organization’s work in recruiting, training, licensing, and supporting foster and adoptive families throughout Iowa.

Four Oaks operates as a statewide program under contract with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission focuses on providing children with safety and stability by connecting them to nurturing families who can support their healing and journey toward permanency. The organization has served children and families in Iowa for more than 50 years.

“Every child deserves a permanent, loving home with stable and nurturing parents in their lives. For decades, Four Oaks’ comprehensive approach has helped empower kids and families to succeed across Iowa. I’m proud to have nominated Four Oaks for this award and appreciate the great work they do to make a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families every year,” Grassley said.

President & CEO Mary Beth O'Neill and Vice President of Operations Jen Royer accepted the Angels in Adoption award from Senator Grassley during an event held in Washington.

The Angels in Adoption Program is organized by CCAI to recognize individuals for contributions to adoption, foster care, and child welfare. Honorees are invited to Washington for advocacy training sessions and meetings with congressional representatives. Grassley joined CCAI’s Advisory Council in 2015.

Grassley has supported several legislative efforts aimed at improving adoption processes nationwide. These include backing laws such as the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, which reduced barriers to adoption; the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008, which expanded federal assistance eligibility; and the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018, which increased federal resources for prevention services supporting at-risk families. He also supports proposed legislation like the Recruiting Families Using Data Act that would enhance state recruitment efforts for foster and adoptive families.

Additionally, Grassley has worked on behalf of American families affected by China’s decision to end its intercountry adoption program by leading bipartisan letters urging resolution between U.S. and Chinese officials.